Under attack from opposition over WikiLeaks cables suggesting 'US tilt' in UPA cabinet reshuffle in 2006, the Congress on Tuesday rejected their authenticity describing them as elements of 'sensational' and 'senseless'.
Under attack from opposition over Wikileaks cables suggesting 'US tilt' in UPA cabinet reshuffle in 2006, Congress on Tuesday rejected their authenticity describing them as elements of 'sensation' and 'senseless'.
Party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said if national political parties or the whole country was to go into reacting to these sensational tit bits from elements like Wikileaks weekly, "this country's democracy, its spirit, its stability would be diminished."
"These are elements of sensation and all the more senseless. These are subjective views of individuals at an unauthenticated and unverified stage. There is no question of accepting their veracity, no question of accepting their authenticity," Singhvi said.
Terming as 'very serious' reports on leaked diplomatic cables suggesting a 'US tilt' in 2006 Cabinet reshuffle, the BJP demanded that the government clarify its stand on the issue. Party leader Venkaiah Naidu said the US envoy should be asked to clarify and if needed India should lodge a protest with Washington.
The issue was also raised in Rajya Sabha today with CPI-M members supported by leaders from CPI, BJP and Shiv Sena attacking the government on the issue.
CPI-M members in the Rajya Sabha raised the issue and said the Wikileaks cable quoted the US ambassador in India David C Mulford as saying that there was 'undeniable pro-American tilt' in the then Cabinet reshuffle.
They said Mulford had described change in the Petroleum portfolio as a "determination to ensure that US-India relations continue to move ahead rapidly."
The report had it that Mani Shankar Aiyar, seen by the US as "contentious and outspoken Iran pipeline advocate", was replaced by 'pro-US' Murli Deora.
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